'Cycling the Erie Canal Tour' bike trip: July 10-17

View full sizeStephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-Standard2009 file photo - Bikers take a break at the Erie Canal Park in Camillus. They were participants in the 11th annual Cycling the Erie Canal Tour in 2009. This year's 13th annual bike trip starts July 10, 2011.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- More than 500 cyclists are ready to ride the old Erie Canal.

The 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal Tour, a 400-mile jaunt across the state, begins on Sunday in Buffalo and ends eight days later in Albany. It highlights the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the canal system and the Canalway Trail.

Cyclists from 36 states and other countries are expected to take part.

Roughly two-thirds of the tour takes place on the completed portion of the Canalway Trail. When complete, the Canalway Trail System will span more than 500 miles and connect numerous cities, towns and villages along the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain canals, making it one of the longest multi-use recreational trails in the country.